Welcome To Pre-K! Presenter welcomes participants and introduces NC Pre-K teachers, co-teachers and support staff. Introduce any other staff who are attending the orientation. Introduce Spanish translator (who may or may not translate but actually take Spanish speaking parents to another location for ease of presentation and time constraints)

The Goals of Pre-K To provide a rich, child- centered, literacy-focused learning environment. To ensure that all children in Mecklenburg County enter kindergarten ready to learn. To offer experiences that ensure children's learning of the academic, personal and interpersonal skills essential to school success. Read over and continue on to next slide

Our Pre-K Programs Offer a: Comprehensive Curriculum Certified Teachers Ongoing Parent involvement Currently Pre-K is offered in a variety of settings: Elementary Schools Child Care Centers Presenter will mention a need was determined for the program almost ten years ago when looking to see how struggling students could be best assisted. Preventative steps were taken to better equip children for entering Kindergarten.

Our School Program School hours Children need to attend a full day of school each day. Regular attendance is expected. Following an absence, the parent sends a written note stating the reason for the absence. Children need to arrive on-time each morning. Parents will walk their children to class. Pre-K follows the CMS calendar, including bad weather days and student holidays. Emphasize the importance of regular attendance. Discuss your site’s tardy policy and why children should arrive on time. Talk about any changes your site has made to the CMS calendar for the year. Discuss your site’s tardy policy.

Our Curriculum Each of our Pre-K classrooms uses a research based curriculum that targets all areas of child development. The school day consists of numerous developmentally appropriate activities designed with purposeful play. Activities include centers, small group instruction and large group instruction. We will have special celebrations throughout the year that relate to the books your child is reading in class. We do not put special emphasis on celebrating holidays. The program provides key experiences, especially in the areas of language and early literacy development. This lays the foundation for early school success. SWPL (songs, word play and letters), and morning meeting are some examples of daily activities.

Social Emotional Development Our Pre-K Program understands the impact of children’s social, behavioral, and problem solving skills on their success in school. We use a social skills curriculum called RECAP to teach students appropriate behavioral and social skills. We reinforce the use of appropriate skills in the classroom with a Sunshine System.

Teaching Strategies Teaching Strategies Gold is the assessment tool used by Pre-K teachers. Students will be assessed in: Social-Emotional Physical Language Cognitive Literacy Math Science and Technology Social Studies The Arts Assessment data is collected in a natural educational environment. Teachers will provide reports on students’ progress at the end of each quarter.

Parent Involvement Requirements Home visit Home Reading - 100 books Parent Visits – at least 4 per year Parent/Teacher Conference All student immunizations and information kept up-to-date 6. Follow attendance and on-time arrival policies 7. Daily check of child’s book bag Home visits – Teachers will be come to your home to introduce themselves to your child and make an initial connection to them so the first day of school will be a smooth transition. Reading Record – Mention that 100 books need to be read by the end of the year and a book will come home each evening. Please make sure you sign your full name on the card. Parent Visits – Parents will have numerous opportunities to participate in parent workshops, visit the classroom, have lunch with your child and go on field trips, etc. to meet this requirement. Parent/Teacher Conference – we do not have a report card but this is an excellent time to meet with your child’s teacher to hear about the child’s progress and see if any concerns need to be addressed. Student information – please make sure you keep the teacher up-to-date with information – this is very necessary in case of an accident or illness. Book bag – checking it daily allows you to see your child’s work for the day, find out if the teacher has sent home further information, and determine which book your child has brought home to read for the evening.

What About Food? Breakfast and lunch are served each day. Parents need to complete the form related to receiving meals at school. Discuss your site’s policy about bringing food from home and /or treats for student celebrations.

Transportation Students who come to school by car must be walked to the classroom. Parents must make contact with the Teacher or Co- Teacher. Children will only be released to the parent(s) or persons authorized by the parent. The Director can assist you with any other transportation questions.

Staggered Enrollment & the First Day of School for Pre-K A few students will come each day until the first full day of Pre-K. The first full day of Pre-K for all students is September 7th.

We know your child is going to have a great school year in Pre-K! Thank you for coming! We know your child is going to have a great school year in Pre-K! We look forward to working with you to help your child gain both academic and emotional/social skills that will be vital to their future.